Professional ballroom dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy has decided not to return for the 16th season of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’
The Russian pro began his DWTS career on Season 2 in 2006. During his tenure he has teamed up with a long list of high-profile celebrities: Brandy, Misty May-Treanor, Erin Andrews, Kirstie Alley, Mel B, Denise Richards, Melissa Gilbert, Laila Ali and Hope Solo.
Maks reportedly notified producers this week that he won’t be coming back. His decision comes just days before the new cast will be revealed and intensive rehearsals begin in Los Angeles, with the new ABC season slated to premiere on March 18.
He hinted last season that he was getting ready to branch out into acting within the next few years, and it looks like he has moved up his timeline. He tweeted yesterday, “BAM! Someone landed in LA LA LAND! So many peeps to catch up with! So much exciting stuff coming up! #OutWithTheOld.”
The show won’t be the same without the guy who clearly enjoyed butting heads with the judges and his dance partners. The brash bad boy seriously messed with Brandi’s head during her stint and slapped Hope Solo across the face during a practice session, according to her recently published tell-all.
His best showings were second place finishes with Melanie Brown and Kirstie Alley.
Fans of his mild mannered brother Val Chmerkovskiy will be pleased to know that he’ll be back for another season.
Check out a photo gallery of Maksim and his dance partners below:
Photo Credit: WENN